ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has called out politicians aligned with President William Ruto’s administration for misusing the term “broad-based” in political discussions. Speaking on Thursday, October 30, the Nairobi Senator emphasized that the term was not a slogan but a formal agreement anchored on a ten-point agenda.
Sifuna explained that the “broad-based government” concept stemmed from a legitimate Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in March 2025 between President Ruto and the late ODM leader Raila Odinga. The pact, sealed at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, was aimed at promoting peace, inclusivity, and national unity.
“It has become fashionable for people to throw around this thing. Every single discussion that comes up, ‘we are broad-based’. I want to remind them that broad-based is built on a 10-point agenda,” Sifuna stated.
He warned politicians against distorting the meaning of the agreement for personal or political gain, insisting that those invoking the term must adhere to the principles outlined in the deal. “When you run around with this thing, always remember that there’s an agreement underpinning that relationship. If you do not follow it, you cannot claim to be broad-based,” he added.
Sifuna further revealed that Raila Odinga himself authored the agreement, making its intentions clear and binding. “Raila told the country that he wrote that document. So, don’t argue with me about its contents,” the senator affirmed.
His remarks come just days after he reaffirmed ODM’s commitment to the broad-based government despite Raila’s death. Addressing the media on Monday, October 27, Sifuna clarified that ODM’s cooperation with Ruto’s government was not submission but a continuation of Raila’s vision for stability.
“We reiterate the commitment of the party to the broad-based government until 2027, guided by the ten-point agenda for peace and national stability,” he said.
